Dear Humans...

Here is a letter that I wrote to my clients this week, so many commented how much it meant to them that I decided to share it with a wider audience. As I wrote this letter I felt like I was writing a bit to myself and I didn't realize how therapeutic it would feel. Because of this, I encourage you to take my same step, write a letter to "someone" about how things are, how you feel, thoughts, concerns, whatever comes to mind. Then feel free to send it or just rip it up. Either way, I promise you will feel better. 

​Good Afternoon,
​
I wanted to take a minute and check in with everyone. It has been a while and I miss everyone. Although the studio is beginning to awaken, there are many faces I have not seen in some time. I hope you all are doing well, not just surviving, but thriving if that's possible.

We are living in tumultuous times which is not news to anyone. Lately I often feel like quoting Dickens... "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..." And this is how it feels right now. There are so many challenges that we are facing each and every day, yet at the same time there is opportunity woven in there as well. We often need a reminder of this though as the challenges take center stage and it is easy to overlook the good. 

As we come into the season of Thanksgiving I want to invite you to take the opportunity to focus on some silver lining moments that you have had through our COVID/election year. What are the changes you have had to make, either by choice or necessity during this time? How have they impacted your mental and physical health? If all you can think of is negative, switch your mindset and ask yourself 'What have I learned during this?' Maybe you don't see a glowing "perk" but if you examine what you have learned then perhaps you can see some benefit in that. I, for one, have learned a lot of lessons during this time and I am still being educated in many areas. 

In addition, here is a reminder to take care of yourself. I know that you are hearing this a lot and your response may even be along the lines of "easier said than done" and I hear you. In fact I am there with you. There are more times than I care to admit that I spend sitting in a state of fear and worry. Keeping our sanity during times like these requires more than just a bubble bath and glass of wine (although those do sound fantastic). It requires us to go a little deeper. It requires us to move into a state of non-judgement, non-judgement towards ourselves and non-judgement towards others. Judgement is an easy outlet right now. We can point fingers and blame for the pain and hurt we feel. But what would happen if we all took a moment to think through our response in a situation rather than reacting. This isn't just to others, its also to ourselves. It is said that when we judge we are just looking in a mirror. Moving into non-judgement can be as easy as showing more kindness to yourself. The effect will be 10 fold. In fact, this is where the real work happens. 

As you work through these thoughts remember, you don't have to do this perfectly. In fact I wouldn't expect any of us to ever be perfect. That's the beauty of this life. We are constantly growing as a person, evolving into a higher state of being. There are many bumps along that road.

And remember when all else fails, go to your mat. Maybe you just sit there, maybe you practice, maybe you take a nap. But continue to go back there. Build that consistency. Experience that grounding. Find your peace. 

Have a wonderful week!

Namaste-

Jessica